Name: Homemade Alfajores
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 large egg yolks; 1 whole egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche; Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies made with buttery shortbread and a luscious dulce de leche filling. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these traditional Latin American treats offer the perfect balance of richness and sweetness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Alfajores are a timeless classic—tender, crumbly shortbread cookies that practically dissolve on your tongue, paired with a thick layer of silky dulce de leche. They’re ideal for gifting, holidays, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. While elegant and refined, they are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them a great baking project for any home cook.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter
powdered sugar
egg yolks
whole egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
baking powder
salt
dulce de leche
powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolks, whole egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out 2-inch round cookies using a cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
Spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.
Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Calories per Serving: 180 kcal

Variations

Coconut Edges: Roll the edges of the filled cookies in shredded coconut for a traditional Argentinian touch.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each sandwich in melted dark or white chocolate and let set.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright flavor contrast.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend along with cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free.
Mini Alfajores: Cut the dough into smaller rounds for bite-sized versions perfect for parties.

storage/reheating

Store Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For best texture, allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving. They can also be frozen (unfilled or filled) for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a thick, sweet caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened milk. It’s rich, creamy, and the perfect filling for Alfajores.

Can I make my own dulce de leche?

Yes, simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk for 2–3 hours (fully submerged in water) or use a pressure cooker. Let it cool before using.

Why is cornstarch used in the dough?

Cornstarch gives the cookies their signature melt-in-the-mouth texture, making them delicate and soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be chilled for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before rolling.

Are Alfajores supposed to be soft or crunchy?

Alfajores are typically soft and tender, not crunchy. The dough is designed to yield a delicate texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape. Avoid overworking the dough and ensure the oven is preheated.

Can I make them without powdered sugar on top?

Yes, although the powdered sugar adds a classic finish, you can leave it off or use a light glaze instead.

What other fillings can I use?

While dulce de leche is traditional, you can experiment with jams, ganache, or nut butters for variety.

Do Alfajores need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but refrigeration extends freshness. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

What pairs well with Alfajores?

They go beautifully with espresso, black tea, or even a glass of dessert wine or milk.

Conclusion

Homemade Alfajores are a celebration of texture and flavor, bringing together buttery, tender cookies and rich dulce de leche in a perfectly sweet sandwich. Simple yet elegant, they are a staple in Latin American cuisine and beloved worldwide. Whether you’re introducing them to new palates or enjoying a nostalgic treat, Alfajores are sure to become a treasured part of your baking repertoire.

Homemade Alfajores

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Yield: 16 sandwich cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies made with soft buttery shortbread and filled with rich dulce de leche, dusted with powdered sugar for the perfect sweet bite of Latin American tradition.

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks, whole egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds.
Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Cool completely.
Spread a generous spoonful of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another to make a sandwich.
Dust tops with powdered sugar before serving.